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Gardening Know How Questions & Answers - https://questions.gardeningknowhow.comOur recently purchased potted lemon tree is covered in black ants, particularly underneath the leaves, which is causing the leaves to become droopy. The ants appear to be eating a pale coloured ‘bug’. What treatments do you recommend? We are going to wash the tree with water but I was wondering if there are any specific sprays, natural or otherwise that could be used?
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[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm
[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/aphids-tree-disease.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/aphids-tree-disease.htm
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1 Comment To "Lemon tree covered in common black ants"
#1 Comment By maryhdyer On 02/18/2015 @ 1:58 am
Those bugs are almost certainly aphids, and they are causing your problems. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves, leaving a sweet substance known as “honeydew.” The honeydew is highly attractive to ants. You may be able to dislodge the aphids by blasting a strong stream of water directly at the leaves. However, this sounds like a major infestation that will probably require insecticidal soap spray to kill the pests. (Most likely repeated applications.) (Avoid chemical pesticides, if possible.) These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm [1]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/aphids-tree-disease.htm [2]